Anticipating the start of labor can be exciting and frustrating, especially when the woman's estimated due date comes and goes. There are things a woman can attempt to help her body go into labor, but she should not try any such remedies without the approval of a health care professional. Some methods can be attempted during the final weeks, while others shouldn't be done until a woman's due date has passed.
Stay Active
Walking creates several reactions in the body that can help start labor. This includes the swaying of the hips, which will encourage the baby to get into the birth canal in preparation for labor, states DrSpock.com. Vigorous or long walks aren't necessary and can be dangerous to a pregnant woman in this late stage of pregnancy. Many women find walking when labor has fully started helps alleviate pain and encourages the weight of the baby to go downward to open the cervix, a necessary change in the body that allows the baby to exit the body.
Intercourse
Intercourse is a home remedy that can be done prior to a woman's due date with caution. Women who have lost the mucus plug or have been placed on pelvic rest should avoid intercourse, because the risk of introducing bacteria into the uterus is greater. Some women may be on pelvic rest because intercourse may exacerbate pregnancy complications, such as preterm labor. Intercourse can introduce prostaglandins to the cervix, which can encourage contractions when the body is already beginning early labor. What To Expect points out that prostaglandins can also thin the cervix to help it open for the baby. During a medical induction, a woman may be given a synthetic form of prostaglandins that has the same effect.
Bowel Stimulation
Several methods of bowel stimulation are recommended for women by some health care professionals. The idea behind these home remedies is that by causing contractions in the the intestines and digestive system, the uterus will also contract. The problem with this type of remedy is that it may cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea but will have minimal impact on labor. Types of bowel stimulation include mixing 1 to 4 oz. of castor oil in 6 oz. of orange juice or spicy foods, states AskDrSears.com. Women need to continue replenishing lost fluids to prevent dehydration from such a remedy.
Nipple Stimulation
Stimulating the nipples can cause uterine contractions. These contractions may stop as soon as stimulation is discontinued, or active labor may occur. Women may stimulate the nipples by hand or with an electric breast pump. Following birth, this same remedy is helpful in getting the uterus back to pre-pregnancy size by causing contractions. A woman should not attempt this remedy until she is at least 40 weeks into the pregnancy.
Evening Primrose Oil
Several herbs may help start labor, but a pregnant woman should not take them without the advice of a health care professional. One commonly suggested herb is evening primrose oil. This oil capsule can either be taken by mouth or can be inserted directly into the vagina. What To Expect explains that evening primrose oil can act like prostaglandins and help dilate the cervix. The quantity and frequency of the capsules depends on the woman and her health care provider. This remedy should be attempted only once the estimated due date has passed.
